Blockbuster Online has a new gimmick to get you to switch from Netflix. You can bring the "tear-off address flaps of your Netflix rental envelopes" to Blockbuster Video and use them like coupons for "free" rentals. I say "free," because you pay for the time, the gas, and the video, if you don't return it on time. The promotion runs from now until December 21.
This is not going to work, because Netflix subscribers hate making the trip to the store twice for the same movie, the limited selection, and due dates.
This promotion is a way for Blockbuster to find out exactly which of you are Netflix subscribers, so they can spam you. Netflix isn't going to sell their membership mailing list to Blockbuster, so Blockbuster is going to get you to volunteer the information.
Via PRN news press release.
I've been a loyal Netflix customer for 3 years, I love it, I haven't had any issues, and I'm not going to cancel it. If Blockbuster wants to give me free rentals, that's fine by me. I'll use the in-store rentals for new releases and save a lovely spot in my trashcan for any of their spam that comes in my mail. I had to go to two stores tonight, as the one closest to me had no clue what I was talking about:
ReplyDelete"Where'd you hear about this promotion?"
"Oh, I don't know...ABC News, CBS News, Yahoo! News, Blockbuster's press release..."
Why would Blockbuster go through that expense? You need an account with them to get the promotion and they can SPAM all of their account holders at any time.
ReplyDeleteFrom the posts on HackingNetflix, yes there are many people taking advantage of this promotion. One guy said he got turned in 9 envelope flaps and that was the maximum they would allow him to have checked out. Once he turns those in he should be able to get 9 more.
ReplyDeleteWhile they aren't likely to make me a customer, I'm still glad to have BB around to provide some competition.
I think BB is still struggling to find a way to turn their B&M stores into an asset in the battle with Netflix. Unfortunately, the coupons and in-store drop-off features are most attractive to heavy-users, who aren't profitable customers. And other things they are trying, like direct shipment from stores, are inefficient and provide inconsistent service when compared with shipping from distribution centers.